Two very different evenings of entertainment
Last night was an outrageous evening at the Oklahoma City Civic Center seeing "Mamma Mia!" with Fr. Tharp and tonight was the movies with my dad and stepmom seeing "Hotel Rwanda".
Weeks and weeks ago Fr. Tharp had asked if I would like to see "Mamma Mia!" This is a musical written around songs from the 1970's (and a bit into the 80's) international hit band ABBA. Of course, ABBA's songs, despite having disbanded in 1982, still play on and are known by a rather large audience. We've all probably heard the music. The notion of a musical written around this music, I will admit, both horrified and intrigued me. On the one hand, it sounds like a hopelessly stupid scheme to pass as a musical; on the other hand, the music is rather nostalgic and, in its time, it was rather innovative. I think the beginning of the musical itself actually capitalized on these sentiments. A faceless voice over the sound system made the typical announcements for live theatre (regarding no flash photography, recording devices, or cell phones and other electronic devices in use) but added something like this, "A fair warning to our patrons: White spandex and platform boots will be in use during the performance!" It was certainly loads of fun to hear the songs done live. Until last night I had only heard the songs on the radio or on CD. But, what really surprised me was that there is really a story, a legitimate plot to the show. Granted, the plot may be a bit thin, but it wasn't nearly as thin as I had anticipated. There was minor tragedy, conflict, and resolution. And the writers really were clever at how they incorporated ABBA songs into the script. In addition, the very simple set was superbly employed and the actors themselves moved props and helped change scenes in a manner that can only be described as part of the choreography for the show (only done with low lighting). All in all, it was very enjoyable and clever. It certainly won't stand the test of time as memorable drama and -- I pray -- generations from now won't look back on us and see "Mamma Mia!" and the likes as what we ourselves viewed as normative theatre. I admit, I am a bit worried about this sign of our cultural times because "Mamma Mia!" is not the only musical out there incorporating pop songs. We shall see.... I'll let Fr. Tharp add any more details about the show that he might want to share.
Tonight was a very heavy drama about the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. It was an excellent film based on historical events that told the real life story of a man in the midst of this sadly real human drama. The film captured the atrocity and the weight of the tragedy without showing gratuitous violence and without being oppressively bloody. In the midst of the ugliness of the tragedy, the beauty of human goodness was also visible (reminds me somewhat of "The Passion of the Christ"). I think the lead actor (I don't remember his name) performed exceedingly well. As an African man he was very much involved in, and overwhelmed by, the events of the unrest in his country. But the movie also showed how his role as the manager of a hotel-turned-refugee-camp placed on him a certain duty or role that he had to play -- a certain facade he had to keep up -- in order to bring some sense of stability to terribly frightened people. Ultimately, of course, this was a role he played to save lives. It was gripping film. It made me think about the larger connections we all ought to know and feel as members of the human race. It made me think how easy it is to see such terrible storied on the news and to go on, leading my daily life with little impact or even thought to the depth of human tragedy in other parts of the world.
I would highly recommend "Hotel Rwanda" to anyone and, should "Mamma Mia!" come to your town, I think you would enjoy a little 70's flashback!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Notice to Television Executives, et al.
You are likely playing with fire (read: eternal fire (read: damnation)) with programs such as Medium and others!
The Liturgy of the Hours today has a selection from Leviticus, which prompted me to do some biblical research and to open the corresponding section of the Catechism. Leviticus 19:31 reads:
"Do not go to mediums or consult fortune-tellers, for you will be defiled by them. I, the Lord, am your God."
The Catechism goes on to develop this divine injunction:
"Divination and magic
2115 "God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility.
2116 "All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future.48 Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
2117 "All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others—even if this were for the sake of restoring their health—are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity."
So, consider yourselves warned. Do not seek power apart from God Himself and do not have recourse to "forces" other than a confident, filial trust in God's providential care for us, His children.
You are likely playing with fire (read: eternal fire (read: damnation)) with programs such as Medium and others!
The Liturgy of the Hours today has a selection from Leviticus, which prompted me to do some biblical research and to open the corresponding section of the Catechism. Leviticus 19:31 reads:
"Do not go to mediums or consult fortune-tellers, for you will be defiled by them. I, the Lord, am your God."
The Catechism goes on to develop this divine injunction:
"Divination and magic
2115 "God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility.
2116 "All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future.48 Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
2117 "All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others—even if this were for the sake of restoring their health—are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity."
So, consider yourselves warned. Do not seek power apart from God Himself and do not have recourse to "forces" other than a confident, filial trust in God's providential care for us, His children.
Liturgical Footnote #6
By Fr. J.C. Garrett
After the more somber tone of the Penitential Rite in which we recall our sinfulness and ask God’s mercy and forgiveness, the whole mode of the Mass changes rather dramatically as all present burst out in the Gloria. “The Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb” (GIRM #53). This is a triumphant hymn of great joy for the redemption we have received. In the Gloria, using snatches from Scripture, we praise Jesus who, like the scapegoat in the Old Testament, has taken on the burden of sin of the enter world and has set us free.
By Fr. J.C. Garrett
After the more somber tone of the Penitential Rite in which we recall our sinfulness and ask God’s mercy and forgiveness, the whole mode of the Mass changes rather dramatically as all present burst out in the Gloria. “The Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb” (GIRM #53). This is a triumphant hymn of great joy for the redemption we have received. In the Gloria, using snatches from Scripture, we praise Jesus who, like the scapegoat in the Old Testament, has taken on the burden of sin of the enter world and has set us free.
As a hymn, it is preferred that the Gloria be sung; and always with joy! The text of the Gloria may never be replaced with some other text (GIRM #53). If the Gloria is not sung, it is to be recited by the priest and congregation together. It is always to be sung or said on solemnities and feasts, and on all Sundays outside the seasons of Advent and Lent. “Because of the triumphalist joy of the Gloria, it is omitted completely when the whole Mass is of a penitential or simple character, in Advent and Lent and on ordinary weekdays” (Fr. Francis Randolph, Know Him in the Breaking of the Bread: A Guide to the Mass, Ignatius Press, p. 59).
Monday, March 07, 2005
Some Random Thoughts on Church Architecture
I mentioned in my "I'm Back" post that during my vacation to Williamsburg, VA I had the opportunity to visit two new churches, and that I would make some comments about the architecture. First allow me to make this caveat: I AM NOT AN ARCHITECT, Jim ( ala Dr. McCoy for all you Star Trek fans). My advance degrees are in Counseling Psychology and Theology. The Theology degrees give me some understanding of ecclesiology, which should be somewhat reflected in church architecture, as well as having me read some documents on the subject, so the following is my somewhat education but FAR from expert opinion. Agree or disagree with me as you want, as long as we keep it charitable.
The one parish I visited was St. Bede parish in Williamsburg, VA, and the other was Immaculate Conception BVM parish in Birdsboro, PA (where I picked up my priest friend). Both are not new parishes persay, rather both where parishes which outgrew their current facilities and built new ones. I think this is an important distinction because this means that each parish had a history, people in the past had donated funds and items for the original churches, so there was something of a legacy to perserve.
St. Bede's was still being worked on when my friend and I visited it, but they were clearly already using it for worship. The day we visited the big project was installing a very large organ. The church is designed in the round. Personally, I do not care for churches in the round, but I recognize that this is a traditional design for churches. From what I read, ideally in a church in the round the central focus of the design should be the Altar of sacrifice. When we first entered St. Bede's there was a large "gathering space" (I still prefer the term narthax) and off to the sides were a couple of hallways with offices (presumably for the parish). I even noticed a kitchen. On either side of the main doors into the church itself were some legacy artwork from the original church: one was a wood carving (I think they call it something like a redoube) with the Trinity and the BVM. It had a high Middle Ages/English design to it, and was very beautiful. Opposite to it was a large, iconish painting of the life of St. Bede; also very traditional and very beautiful. Then we entered the church. As should be the question whenever you enter a church, we both asked ourselves, "Where's Jesus?" In other words, "Where is the tabernacle?" Certainly our eyes did not quickly spy where they had taken our Lord. While the Altar was in the center of the circle, it was dwarfed by the HUGE organ they were installing. Clearly the central focus of this "worship space" was the music. While I love beautiful, liturgical music (and I am not sure that would be the type of music offered at St. Bede's) it is a creation of Man, the creature. We turned to our left, and there behind us to the left, in a room all to Himself, with a nice window to the church, was our Lord. If there was stain glass it was hardly memorable. The ceiling of the church seemed low, certainly no real vertical dimension to lift our spirits upwards towards heaven. While not the ugliest church that I have ever seen, it was just another very forgetable modern church that hardly inspired any sense of the sacred. With very little modification you could turn it into a lecture hall or performance hall. As we turned to leave we noticed the final "insult" -- a "feel good" incipid "Covenant" with the local Lutheran parish, basically pledging friendship and joint worship opportunities. Parishioners were encouraged to go to the "covenant" partner parish for some Sunday worship. No mention was given that it would not suffice for the Catholic's Sunday obligation. Disappointing is to state things very mildly.
At the end of the vacation, when I dropped my friend back at his parish, we went to the new parish complex that is being built. The school and the church are complete, and they are finishing the rectory and parish office. The parish is named Immaculate Conception BVM, and I am connecting a link to some photos of the church. In my humble opinion, simply put, this represents some of the best in contemporary church design. While it is true that the granite and marble masterpieces of the past are probably not possible for most parishes (both economically and practically because so much of the artisans needed no longer exist), it does not mean that just because you have to use more affordable and available materials that the church has to be ugly. Immaculate Conception BVM sits about 900, so it is big, but at the same time it does not feel as if people are sitting a far distance from the altar. It is a cruciform design (OK, I prefer that so it might have made me a bit more positively disposed). There is a good size narthax in the back. For first thing I noticed was that the church had some color. Too often, IMHO, modern churches have dark earthtones. While some may disagree with the choice of color (the walls of the main church were something of a peach color, though in two shades, and the tabernacle was in space with what I thought was a very nice dark red), I thought it was nice. The first thing you notice is the huge crucifix which is hanging right over the Altar of Sacrifice. It is very nice, though I think a tad too big -- reduce it 20% and I think it would still be significant but not over dominanting. Next you noticed the very nice baptismal fount at the back of the church. I did not get the full history of the fount, so I am not sure if it is new, used or from the original parish. It does have what seems to be part of an old altar rail around it. It is marble and very classic in design. A closer look at the Altar shows that it is designed in the same pattern as the baptismal fount. The church has nice wooden pews, on a tile floor. The ceiling is high. The stations of the Cross are mosaics, and I am told that they were originally in a church that was closed. The stain glass windows were from a closed parish in Philadelphia, and of a craftsmanship that is hard to find today. Since they wanted larger windows, the original stain glass windows are surrounded by what looks to be blown, white glass borders. In the four "corners" of the where the arms of the cruciform comes together they have alcoves for four statues of saints. I was informed that they are the same saints whose statues were in the original church, although the statues themselves are new. There are devotional candles infront of each alcove. There are two huge stained glass windows in the center part of the church (where the "arms" are), also classic designs from a closed parish in Philadelphia. Behind the main Altar there is a beautiful grill, behind which is a big tabernacle tower of marble with a lovely tabernacle. I am told that the tower and tabernacle was from usedchurchgoods.com, a site that "rescues" church art from churches that are closed, mostly from Europe. So while the main part of the church was of contemporary materials (the walls, floors, etc.) there was enough classic church art to tie the church to the tradition. The lighting is modern, but excellent; designed to call attention to the particular worship happening in the church. In other words there was a setting for "between Masses", another for "Weekday Masses", one for "Adoration" (almost all dark, with spots on the Altar where the Monsterance would be), and then very bright for Sundays and Solemnities. I was hugely impressed, and cannot wait for my friend to put even more photos of the church on the parish website. Truly a testament that modern churches can invoke a deep sense of the sacred was still being affordable.
I mentioned in my "I'm Back" post that during my vacation to Williamsburg, VA I had the opportunity to visit two new churches, and that I would make some comments about the architecture. First allow me to make this caveat: I AM NOT AN ARCHITECT, Jim ( ala Dr. McCoy for all you Star Trek fans). My advance degrees are in Counseling Psychology and Theology. The Theology degrees give me some understanding of ecclesiology, which should be somewhat reflected in church architecture, as well as having me read some documents on the subject, so the following is my somewhat education but FAR from expert opinion. Agree or disagree with me as you want, as long as we keep it charitable.
The one parish I visited was St. Bede parish in Williamsburg, VA, and the other was Immaculate Conception BVM parish in Birdsboro, PA (where I picked up my priest friend). Both are not new parishes persay, rather both where parishes which outgrew their current facilities and built new ones. I think this is an important distinction because this means that each parish had a history, people in the past had donated funds and items for the original churches, so there was something of a legacy to perserve.
St. Bede's was still being worked on when my friend and I visited it, but they were clearly already using it for worship. The day we visited the big project was installing a very large organ. The church is designed in the round. Personally, I do not care for churches in the round, but I recognize that this is a traditional design for churches. From what I read, ideally in a church in the round the central focus of the design should be the Altar of sacrifice. When we first entered St. Bede's there was a large "gathering space" (I still prefer the term narthax) and off to the sides were a couple of hallways with offices (presumably for the parish). I even noticed a kitchen. On either side of the main doors into the church itself were some legacy artwork from the original church: one was a wood carving (I think they call it something like a redoube) with the Trinity and the BVM. It had a high Middle Ages/English design to it, and was very beautiful. Opposite to it was a large, iconish painting of the life of St. Bede; also very traditional and very beautiful. Then we entered the church. As should be the question whenever you enter a church, we both asked ourselves, "Where's Jesus?" In other words, "Where is the tabernacle?" Certainly our eyes did not quickly spy where they had taken our Lord. While the Altar was in the center of the circle, it was dwarfed by the HUGE organ they were installing. Clearly the central focus of this "worship space" was the music. While I love beautiful, liturgical music (and I am not sure that would be the type of music offered at St. Bede's) it is a creation of Man, the creature. We turned to our left, and there behind us to the left, in a room all to Himself, with a nice window to the church, was our Lord. If there was stain glass it was hardly memorable. The ceiling of the church seemed low, certainly no real vertical dimension to lift our spirits upwards towards heaven. While not the ugliest church that I have ever seen, it was just another very forgetable modern church that hardly inspired any sense of the sacred. With very little modification you could turn it into a lecture hall or performance hall. As we turned to leave we noticed the final "insult" -- a "feel good" incipid "Covenant" with the local Lutheran parish, basically pledging friendship and joint worship opportunities. Parishioners were encouraged to go to the "covenant" partner parish for some Sunday worship. No mention was given that it would not suffice for the Catholic's Sunday obligation. Disappointing is to state things very mildly.
At the end of the vacation, when I dropped my friend back at his parish, we went to the new parish complex that is being built. The school and the church are complete, and they are finishing the rectory and parish office. The parish is named Immaculate Conception BVM, and I am connecting a link to some photos of the church. In my humble opinion, simply put, this represents some of the best in contemporary church design. While it is true that the granite and marble masterpieces of the past are probably not possible for most parishes (both economically and practically because so much of the artisans needed no longer exist), it does not mean that just because you have to use more affordable and available materials that the church has to be ugly. Immaculate Conception BVM sits about 900, so it is big, but at the same time it does not feel as if people are sitting a far distance from the altar. It is a cruciform design (OK, I prefer that so it might have made me a bit more positively disposed). There is a good size narthax in the back. For first thing I noticed was that the church had some color. Too often, IMHO, modern churches have dark earthtones. While some may disagree with the choice of color (the walls of the main church were something of a peach color, though in two shades, and the tabernacle was in space with what I thought was a very nice dark red), I thought it was nice. The first thing you notice is the huge crucifix which is hanging right over the Altar of Sacrifice. It is very nice, though I think a tad too big -- reduce it 20% and I think it would still be significant but not over dominanting. Next you noticed the very nice baptismal fount at the back of the church. I did not get the full history of the fount, so I am not sure if it is new, used or from the original parish. It does have what seems to be part of an old altar rail around it. It is marble and very classic in design. A closer look at the Altar shows that it is designed in the same pattern as the baptismal fount. The church has nice wooden pews, on a tile floor. The ceiling is high. The stations of the Cross are mosaics, and I am told that they were originally in a church that was closed. The stain glass windows were from a closed parish in Philadelphia, and of a craftsmanship that is hard to find today. Since they wanted larger windows, the original stain glass windows are surrounded by what looks to be blown, white glass borders. In the four "corners" of the where the arms of the cruciform comes together they have alcoves for four statues of saints. I was informed that they are the same saints whose statues were in the original church, although the statues themselves are new. There are devotional candles infront of each alcove. There are two huge stained glass windows in the center part of the church (where the "arms" are), also classic designs from a closed parish in Philadelphia. Behind the main Altar there is a beautiful grill, behind which is a big tabernacle tower of marble with a lovely tabernacle. I am told that the tower and tabernacle was from usedchurchgoods.com, a site that "rescues" church art from churches that are closed, mostly from Europe. So while the main part of the church was of contemporary materials (the walls, floors, etc.) there was enough classic church art to tie the church to the tradition. The lighting is modern, but excellent; designed to call attention to the particular worship happening in the church. In other words there was a setting for "between Masses", another for "Weekday Masses", one for "Adoration" (almost all dark, with spots on the Altar where the Monsterance would be), and then very bright for Sundays and Solemnities. I was hugely impressed, and cannot wait for my friend to put even more photos of the church on the parish website. Truly a testament that modern churches can invoke a deep sense of the sacred was still being affordable.
How Utterly Fitting
You are 'Latin'. Even among obsolete skills, the
tongue of the ancient Romans is a real
anachronism. With its profusion of different
cases and conjugations, Latin is more than a
language; it is a whole different way of
thinking about things.
You are very classy, meaning that you value the
classics. You value old things, good things
which have stood the test of time. You value
things which have been proven worthy and
valuable, even if no one else these days sees
them that way. Your life is touched by a
certain 'pietas', or piety; perhaps you are
even a Stoic. Nonetheless, you have a certain
fascination with the grotesque and the profane.
Also, the modern world rejects you like a bad
transplant. Your problem is that Latin has
been obsolete for a long time.
What obsolete skill are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are 'Latin'. Even among obsolete skills, the
tongue of the ancient Romans is a real
anachronism. With its profusion of different
cases and conjugations, Latin is more than a
language; it is a whole different way of
thinking about things.
You are very classy, meaning that you value the
classics. You value old things, good things
which have stood the test of time. You value
things which have been proven worthy and
valuable, even if no one else these days sees
them that way. Your life is touched by a
certain 'pietas', or piety; perhaps you are
even a Stoic. Nonetheless, you have a certain
fascination with the grotesque and the profane.
Also, the modern world rejects you like a bad
transplant. Your problem is that Latin has
been obsolete for a long time.
What obsolete skill are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Rose day ... liturgically speaking
Shucks ... only the second time the liturgy allows the use of Rose-colored vestments has come and gone for another liturgical year. The characteristic of joy is highlighted on Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The lighter color vesture serves as a reminder that we are more than halfway through Lent, approaching the great feast of Christ our Light (the Resurrection), and that joy and repentance are not mutually exclusive traits for the Christian. We can, and should, be joyful in the midst of our penances, in the midst of the simplified and somber season of Lent, because we are being drawn closer to Christ and renewed in his likeness! How could we not be joyful? Laetare Sunday, now past, reminds us that this season of penance and conversion is joyful, indeed, as one of the Lenten prefaces states (perhaps that has sounded awkwardly in our ears if we have heard it before): "Lord, each year you give us this joyful season..."
Sometimes, due to having ashes smeared on our heads, reflecting on our sinfulness, and struggling with our unruly body's demand for the thing given up for Lent, we forget how joyful we should be that Christ freely bestows on us his grace that our baptismal dignity may be restored!
Shucks ... only the second time the liturgy allows the use of Rose-colored vestments has come and gone for another liturgical year. The characteristic of joy is highlighted on Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The lighter color vesture serves as a reminder that we are more than halfway through Lent, approaching the great feast of Christ our Light (the Resurrection), and that joy and repentance are not mutually exclusive traits for the Christian. We can, and should, be joyful in the midst of our penances, in the midst of the simplified and somber season of Lent, because we are being drawn closer to Christ and renewed in his likeness! How could we not be joyful? Laetare Sunday, now past, reminds us that this season of penance and conversion is joyful, indeed, as one of the Lenten prefaces states (perhaps that has sounded awkwardly in our ears if we have heard it before): "Lord, each year you give us this joyful season..."
Sometimes, due to having ashes smeared on our heads, reflecting on our sinfulness, and struggling with our unruly body's demand for the thing given up for Lent, we forget how joyful we should be that Christ freely bestows on us his grace that our baptismal dignity may be restored!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Laetare Sunday (The Fourth Sunday of Lent), Year A
Readings: I Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Most of us know the unique torture that is a bad case of flu. You can feel it come on; you can feel your strength go away until you are too weak to anything more vigorous that watch TV. Then, that happy day comes, when you recognize that you are on the mend. You aren't well, but you aren't going to get sicker. That is what this Sunday of Lent is like.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. It is a Sunday in which to rejoice but at the same time, knowing that Lent isn't over. We haven't reached Easter, but we can see it coming. This Sunday brings us to examine our sources of joy. Joy is different from happiness, but it might be hard to see.
When we think of David, we normally put him at the end of the journey of his life, crowned as King of Israel and Uniter of the Kingdom. His Kingdom is a reflection of the Heavenly Kingdom. He gives us the first transitory taste. In today's first reading, however, the story is completely the opposite. Here, we see the runt of the litter, from a family with little or no influence, from a family with no money or power, elevated to the office of King. What's the underlying message? The only reason David is King of Israel is because God chose him to be.
When we encounter the man born blind, we deal with someone else who is also an absolute nothing, from the world's perspective. Being blind means you are as good as dead. You couldn't take care of yourself; you were unproductive. Compound this with the fact his being born blind creates the stigma that somehow a MAJOR SINNER has caused this to happen. That's the background to the behavior of both the disciples and the Pharisees. When Jesus heals this man's blindness, we see the catestrophic reversal for the goods of the world. This man is not the most forgotten by God; this man has been watched and tended by God for this hour of healing. The man born blind, and other like him, are most especially God's possession.
What do these two men have in common? Both of these men are lowly. They have no other resource to defend themselves, except for the intervention of God. The shocking fact is God spends a heck of a lot of time dealing with the lowly. The powerful don't seem to be on the radar; they probably aren't on the radar because they have used their wealth, fame, and power to cloak their movements and cloak their hearts from God.
This brings us to a question about ourselves. If I were to ask for a show of hands of those who consider themselves lowly or would want to be lowly, I don't think I would get many takers. (N.B. When I preached this, I phrased it as "Raise your hand if..." Nobody raised their hands.) We like to present ourselves and all together in charge. However, when we are alone, the truth pushes back on this facade of self-reliance. We are forced to say, "I am lowly because I am sick. I am lowly because I can't pay my bills. I am lowly because I sin." Over and over again, lowliness presents itself as the more truthful state of affairs.
Here then is the secret of Joy. Joy comes from lowliness. It comes from knowing that no matter how disregarded or discarded we are by the world, God never neglects the lowly. He sustains; therefore, we can always hold out hope, and that hope leads to joy. Happiness vanishes all too readily. Happiness from physical beauty vanishes with the first wrinkle. Happiness from a beautiful car vanishes the moment a deer bolts out into road. Happiness from wealth vanishes the moment the stock market crashes.
My pastor when I became a Catholic had a classic line, "Happiness is over rated." I agree. Only those whose blindness has been removed by the waters of baptism, can see that happiness flees, but joy endures.
Readings: I Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Most of us know the unique torture that is a bad case of flu. You can feel it come on; you can feel your strength go away until you are too weak to anything more vigorous that watch TV. Then, that happy day comes, when you recognize that you are on the mend. You aren't well, but you aren't going to get sicker. That is what this Sunday of Lent is like.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. It is a Sunday in which to rejoice but at the same time, knowing that Lent isn't over. We haven't reached Easter, but we can see it coming. This Sunday brings us to examine our sources of joy. Joy is different from happiness, but it might be hard to see.
When we think of David, we normally put him at the end of the journey of his life, crowned as King of Israel and Uniter of the Kingdom. His Kingdom is a reflection of the Heavenly Kingdom. He gives us the first transitory taste. In today's first reading, however, the story is completely the opposite. Here, we see the runt of the litter, from a family with little or no influence, from a family with no money or power, elevated to the office of King. What's the underlying message? The only reason David is King of Israel is because God chose him to be.
When we encounter the man born blind, we deal with someone else who is also an absolute nothing, from the world's perspective. Being blind means you are as good as dead. You couldn't take care of yourself; you were unproductive. Compound this with the fact his being born blind creates the stigma that somehow a MAJOR SINNER has caused this to happen. That's the background to the behavior of both the disciples and the Pharisees. When Jesus heals this man's blindness, we see the catestrophic reversal for the goods of the world. This man is not the most forgotten by God; this man has been watched and tended by God for this hour of healing. The man born blind, and other like him, are most especially God's possession.
What do these two men have in common? Both of these men are lowly. They have no other resource to defend themselves, except for the intervention of God. The shocking fact is God spends a heck of a lot of time dealing with the lowly. The powerful don't seem to be on the radar; they probably aren't on the radar because they have used their wealth, fame, and power to cloak their movements and cloak their hearts from God.
This brings us to a question about ourselves. If I were to ask for a show of hands of those who consider themselves lowly or would want to be lowly, I don't think I would get many takers. (N.B. When I preached this, I phrased it as "Raise your hand if..." Nobody raised their hands.) We like to present ourselves and all together in charge. However, when we are alone, the truth pushes back on this facade of self-reliance. We are forced to say, "I am lowly because I am sick. I am lowly because I can't pay my bills. I am lowly because I sin." Over and over again, lowliness presents itself as the more truthful state of affairs.
Here then is the secret of Joy. Joy comes from lowliness. It comes from knowing that no matter how disregarded or discarded we are by the world, God never neglects the lowly. He sustains; therefore, we can always hold out hope, and that hope leads to joy. Happiness vanishes all too readily. Happiness from physical beauty vanishes with the first wrinkle. Happiness from a beautiful car vanishes the moment a deer bolts out into road. Happiness from wealth vanishes the moment the stock market crashes.
My pastor when I became a Catholic had a classic line, "Happiness is over rated." I agree. Only those whose blindness has been removed by the waters of baptism, can see that happiness flees, but joy endures.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Beautiful and Delicious
Just when you can't imagine a more interesting use for someone's melons...and get your minds out of the gutter.
Just when you can't imagine a more interesting use for someone's melons...and get your minds out of the gutter.
In communion with St. Peter's successor
We had a special First Saturday Mass this morning for the Pope. It was fairly well attended. Given the Pope's latest hospitalizations and his weakness, I figured it would be a good idea to have a special parish Mass for him. It was good to join the Church universal in praying for our beloved Holy Father who has so faithfully confirmed the brethren in the faith and has been the rock solid foundation of the Church's unity.
We had a special First Saturday Mass this morning for the Pope. It was fairly well attended. Given the Pope's latest hospitalizations and his weakness, I figured it would be a good idea to have a special parish Mass for him. It was good to join the Church universal in praying for our beloved Holy Father who has so faithfully confirmed the brethren in the faith and has been the rock solid foundation of the Church's unity.
I've got you, Babe...
I couldn't find a good link for this news item, but apparently Cher is suing a company owned by Time/Warner for back royalties that have gone unpaid for the past few years. I suggest the executives of the production studios begin singing Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" as a sign of their regret for dissing Cher.
And I really hope that things won't turn ugly for Fr. Tharp, too, for his unroyaltied use of "I've Got You, Babe" at his parish weddings!
I couldn't find a good link for this news item, but apparently Cher is suing a company owned by Time/Warner for back royalties that have gone unpaid for the past few years. I suggest the executives of the production studios begin singing Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" as a sign of their regret for dissing Cher.
And I really hope that things won't turn ugly for Fr. Tharp, too, for his unroyaltied use of "I've Got You, Babe" at his parish weddings!
Opening Night
Last night was the opening night of "Annie" at the Guymon Community Theatre. It was one of the best opening nights attendance-wise in recent years. And the show went very well. I was able to pastorally attend the parish fish fry, attend Stations of the Cross and assist the associate pastor (who lead Stations) with Benediction at the conclusion, and then, put on my costume and get over to the theatre with plenty of time to spare (my brief scene is at the start of Act II). The schedule works out nicely, especially on Saturday nights when I have Mass first and still have time to get over to the theatre.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the show and I know I enjoyed being involved in it. I think the brief cameo role is the perfect role, generally speaking. You get the benefits of being a cast member and enjoying the excitement, without the anxiety of being on stage the whole time and having to memorize endless lines. There was a day when I was gunning for the lead roles; but, not anymore, thanks be to God!
Last night was the opening night of "Annie" at the Guymon Community Theatre. It was one of the best opening nights attendance-wise in recent years. And the show went very well. I was able to pastorally attend the parish fish fry, attend Stations of the Cross and assist the associate pastor (who lead Stations) with Benediction at the conclusion, and then, put on my costume and get over to the theatre with plenty of time to spare (my brief scene is at the start of Act II). The schedule works out nicely, especially on Saturday nights when I have Mass first and still have time to get over to the theatre.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the show and I know I enjoyed being involved in it. I think the brief cameo role is the perfect role, generally speaking. You get the benefits of being a cast member and enjoying the excitement, without the anxiety of being on stage the whole time and having to memorize endless lines. There was a day when I was gunning for the lead roles; but, not anymore, thanks be to God!
Friday, March 04, 2005
It's All So Blessed- Damian-of-Molokai-esque
I have a good friend named Grace Gallagher who lives and works with Hispanic seminarians in the Diocese of Puero Plata, Dominican Republic. If that were not enough she also helps to coordinate funds and support for various charitable enterprises in the DR. Her activities remind me so much of the work of Blessed Damian of Molokai. Blessed Damian, before preaching the Gospel in words, built housing and improved sanitation conditions on the island. In essence, he preached with his hands as much as with words. In the end, he shared every sorrow they did. He shared in the death of leprosy. The only part of him that was unaffected were his fingertips where he held the Sacred Host.
Take this as a lesson, faithful readers. We do as much with a strong back and charity to promote the Gospel as clever well formed arguments might achieve.
If you are interested in helping Ms. Gallagher with this work you can contact her at Mustard Seed.
I have a good friend named Grace Gallagher who lives and works with Hispanic seminarians in the Diocese of Puero Plata, Dominican Republic. If that were not enough she also helps to coordinate funds and support for various charitable enterprises in the DR. Her activities remind me so much of the work of Blessed Damian of Molokai. Blessed Damian, before preaching the Gospel in words, built housing and improved sanitation conditions on the island. In essence, he preached with his hands as much as with words. In the end, he shared every sorrow they did. He shared in the death of leprosy. The only part of him that was unaffected were his fingertips where he held the Sacred Host.
Take this as a lesson, faithful readers. We do as much with a strong back and charity to promote the Gospel as clever well formed arguments might achieve.
If you are interested in helping Ms. Gallagher with this work you can contact her at Mustard Seed.
Some Addictive Fun . . . though not Politically Correct.
My sister's father-in-law sent me this link which I have found very amusing. The instructions are simple; click once to get the penguin to jump, click a second time to get the Yeti to swing, and see how far you can go.
My sister's father-in-law sent me this link which I have found very amusing. The instructions are simple; click once to get the penguin to jump, click a second time to get the Yeti to swing, and see how far you can go.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Even More Separated at Birth
Readers know of my pechant for noting when other folks who think like me and act like me end up looking a lot like me. You can consider my previous observation about the similarity between myself and Mark Shea. Well, after my interview today, we have found another "brother from another mother."
You can compare first, my very small visage in the upper right of the column. I am the one in the black shirt.
Here's Sean Herriot, one of the hosts of Morning Air:
However, much to her credit, Sally Robb, the other host of Morning Air, looks nothing like me:
(Isn't she as cute as a button?)
The jury is still out on whether or not their news voice, Glen Lewerenz, fits the bill:
Readers know of my pechant for noting when other folks who think like me and act like me end up looking a lot like me. You can consider my previous observation about the similarity between myself and Mark Shea. Well, after my interview today, we have found another "brother from another mother."
You can compare first, my very small visage in the upper right of the column. I am the one in the black shirt.
Here's Sean Herriot, one of the hosts of Morning Air:
However, much to her credit, Sally Robb, the other host of Morning Air, looks nothing like me:
(Isn't she as cute as a button?)
The jury is still out on whether or not their news voice, Glen Lewerenz, fits the bill:
Edmond Middle School Students Return After Evacuation
This may explain why Techmonkey Dave was looking for some tools and plumbing implements...
This may explain why Techmonkey Dave was looking for some tools and plumbing implements...
All Said and Done
Ahhhh....That cyber-sigh comes from the depths of my soul. The interview is over. I don't think that I made a boob of myself, but others will have to judge that. I think we will have a segment link available soon, but you can catch the replay of the show tonight, from 6-9 p.m. I think that the interview will be on from 8:00-8:30 p.m., but quite frankly, you should listen to the whole show.
Ahhhh....That cyber-sigh comes from the depths of my soul. The interview is over. I don't think that I made a boob of myself, but others will have to judge that. I think we will have a segment link available soon, but you can catch the replay of the show tonight, from 6-9 p.m. I think that the interview will be on from 8:00-8:30 p.m., but quite frankly, you should listen to the whole show.
Well, I wanted to get the attention of Cardinal Pell...
Last afternoon, I got back to the parish after a couple of days of business in Oklahoma City. On Sunday, I had my regular 3rd Order Dominican Meeting which was wonderful. I gave a little lecture on how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, and accordingly Evening Prayer went much more smoothly. On Monday, I took part in the UCO Catholic College Students Fundraiser. This project began under the leadership of Fr. Hamilton when he was the parochial vicar at St. John's in Edmond. The fundraiser consists in a prominent speaker lecturing and a dinner before it. This year's speaker, Dr. Teresa Burke, the creator of the Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, blew people away with the facts about abortion's occurance and the aftermath of abortion. On Tuesday, I sat down and tried to chew through my jugular vein as I attended a Business Meeting for the Priests of the Archdiocese. In truth, it was rendered much more pleasant by having dinner with beloved brother priests, especially my fellow blogger, Fr. H. Also, we came up with an exciting idea, we that is the dinner group, but more on that later.
As I was saying, I returned to the parish yesterday and found a packet from The Record, the diocesan newspaper from Perth in Western Austrailia. Apparently, the paper did a cover piece on CRM and the review was very favorable. However, I forgot to ask for copies for Fr. H and Fr. G, so if the editor is reading this, send me an email so that I can give you their addresses and they can have a copy as well. As for me, I will be slicing this out and having it framed. I am not sure if the article will bring accolades from Cardinal Pell, but we will see.
There was one interesting paragraph that I wanted to share with you all. The unnamed author writes:
Last afternoon, I got back to the parish after a couple of days of business in Oklahoma City. On Sunday, I had my regular 3rd Order Dominican Meeting which was wonderful. I gave a little lecture on how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, and accordingly Evening Prayer went much more smoothly. On Monday, I took part in the UCO Catholic College Students Fundraiser. This project began under the leadership of Fr. Hamilton when he was the parochial vicar at St. John's in Edmond. The fundraiser consists in a prominent speaker lecturing and a dinner before it. This year's speaker, Dr. Teresa Burke, the creator of the Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, blew people away with the facts about abortion's occurance and the aftermath of abortion. On Tuesday, I sat down and tried to chew through my jugular vein as I attended a Business Meeting for the Priests of the Archdiocese. In truth, it was rendered much more pleasant by having dinner with beloved brother priests, especially my fellow blogger, Fr. H. Also, we came up with an exciting idea, we that is the dinner group, but more on that later.
As I was saying, I returned to the parish yesterday and found a packet from The Record, the diocesan newspaper from Perth in Western Austrailia. Apparently, the paper did a cover piece on CRM and the review was very favorable. However, I forgot to ask for copies for Fr. H and Fr. G, so if the editor is reading this, send me an email so that I can give you their addresses and they can have a copy as well. As for me, I will be slicing this out and having it framed. I am not sure if the article will bring accolades from Cardinal Pell, but we will see.
There was one interesting paragraph that I wanted to share with you all. The unnamed author writes:
Another interesting aspect of what they are doing, although I'm not sure that this was specifically their intention, is that when orders such as the Dominicans first started out they went out into the highways and byways, the markest and the pubs and places like these to preach the Gospel of Jesus. Today, I wonder where are we, as Catholics, doing this? A place called Almost Precious Nowhere, is my guess. But one possible answer is the Internet; it is in many ways, the marketplace of ideas for the 21st century.To answer these questions, 1.) yes, there was that intention in the blog's origin. Techmonkey Dave, once the blog really hit, said, "What you are doing in the quintessence of the New Evangelization." 2.) Given my third order status, isn't that interesting that he compared the blog to the work of the Dominicans. If I find that the article is available online, I will link it back here.
Only 15 minutes more...
Perhaps, you are sucking down some coffee before dashing off to work. Maybe you are getting ready to go to your morning Chem Lab. Whatever the reason, sit down and click on the link to Relevant Radio and listen to the interview with me, Fr. T, which will kick off in about 12 minutes.
Update: my bad, the interview starts at 8:00 a.m. If you listened, you got the bonus coverage of the great spiritual classic, Abandonment to Divine Providence.
Perhaps, you are sucking down some coffee before dashing off to work. Maybe you are getting ready to go to your morning Chem Lab. Whatever the reason, sit down and click on the link to Relevant Radio and listen to the interview with me, Fr. T, which will kick off in about 12 minutes.
Update: my bad, the interview starts at 8:00 a.m. If you listened, you got the bonus coverage of the great spiritual classic, Abandonment to Divine Providence.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Tentacles galore!
I often comment to Fr. Tharp that his many (worthwhile) pastoral initiatives, which he shares with other parishes (sending them his adult formation series The Borromeo Project, and speaking in other parishes), are analogous to tentacles from his megalomaniacal ego stretching out, spreading his influence far and wide. Of course, this is done in all jest and Fr. Tharp, to be fair, does not have a megalomaniacal ego (his is pretty close, but not quite that bad!).
Well, he's not the only one with tentacles folks! No, I haven't grown dreadlocks, but I, too, am preparing to headline a group of speakers in the coming weeks on the topic of marriage and family life. Longtime CRM readers may recall that last spring Fr. Tharp and I were among the speakers at a marriage and family life conference put on by another pastor in the archdiocese. Well, that pastor was moved to a new parish this past summer and guess what? Now in a new parish and with a college campus ministry program, that pastor has asked us to speak again. This time, rather than doing it all in one day as we did last time, we are each coming on a Wednesday night to speak on our subject matter. So, the influence is spreading far and wide, thanks to greedy tentacles and the pastoral vision of Fr. Mark Mason who has now organized this important formation at two parishes! May God bless his work and ours!
I often comment to Fr. Tharp that his many (worthwhile) pastoral initiatives, which he shares with other parishes (sending them his adult formation series The Borromeo Project, and speaking in other parishes), are analogous to tentacles from his megalomaniacal ego stretching out, spreading his influence far and wide. Of course, this is done in all jest and Fr. Tharp, to be fair, does not have a megalomaniacal ego (his is pretty close, but not quite that bad!).
Well, he's not the only one with tentacles folks! No, I haven't grown dreadlocks, but I, too, am preparing to headline a group of speakers in the coming weeks on the topic of marriage and family life. Longtime CRM readers may recall that last spring Fr. Tharp and I were among the speakers at a marriage and family life conference put on by another pastor in the archdiocese. Well, that pastor was moved to a new parish this past summer and guess what? Now in a new parish and with a college campus ministry program, that pastor has asked us to speak again. This time, rather than doing it all in one day as we did last time, we are each coming on a Wednesday night to speak on our subject matter. So, the influence is spreading far and wide, thanks to greedy tentacles and the pastoral vision of Fr. Mark Mason who has now organized this important formation at two parishes! May God bless his work and ours!
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